"I have been arrested and charged with the commission of a serious criminal offense for which I immediately apologized to my wife and now I apologize to the people of Maryland," Dembrow said in the statement.

But in charges later filed at Rockville District Court, Dembrow said his wife struck him first and taunted him to hit her.

Yesterday, the Legislative Women's Caucus held an emergency meeting to discuss Dembrow's arrest. After debating how to respond, the caucus issued a statement that condemns domestic violence but does not mention Dembrow by name.

"We find such acts despicable, harmful and completely contrary to the principles the Women's Caucus strongly supports," the statement said. "If such acts of violence were committed by a member of our institution, we would be outraged."

Dembrow refused to comment on the case yesterday but responded to the statement from the Women's Caucus.